Any cheap and commonly available pH up solution?

[smile]

I'm wondering if anyone knows of a common (available in a hardware store or pool supply place) pH solution that can be used in hydro instead of the overpriced stuff we usually buy. I think you can use sulphuric acid for a cheap pH down, but is there something cheap and easy to find to use as a pH up? Powder would be best, but liquid is ok as long as its commonly available.

Thanks!

 

[Homebrewer]

I don't really have an answer to your question but on a side note, you really shouldn't have to use very much pH up or down. If you find that you're going through it quickly, that's probably indicative of a bigger issue (ie, incorrect feeding levels, something growing in your res, a medium that hasn't been properly washed/prepared, poor quality fertilizer, etc.).

FWIW, I've had the same gallon jugs of up and down for almost 2 years now and I manage about 75 gallons in reservoirs with weekly changes.

 

[smile]

Thanks for your input Homebrewer.

I use RO water and find during heavy flower feeding (1400-1600 ppm) the ph of my water is down in the 4.8 range and needs a fair amount of pH up to get it to 5.6-5.8.

That said, I did find out GH uses potassium carbonate and potassium silicate for their pH up solution. Both are easily available online in powder for and a re relatively cheap. I will order some and give them a whirl as a custom pH up solution

 

[Homebrewer]

I use RO water and find during heavy flower feeding (1400-1600 ppm) the ph of my water is down in the 4.8 range and needs a fair amount of pH up to get it to 5.6-5.8.

That said, I did find out GH uses potassium carbonate and potassium silicate for their pH up solution. Both are easily available online in powder for and a re relatively cheap. I will order some and give them a whirl as a custom pH up solution

I got some good news for you; you're feeding levels are outrageously high and is the cause of your pH problem. Liquid ferts are acidic, no? Look where your pH ends up with your '1400-1600 ppm' feeding levels.

I'm assuming with levels that high that you're on the .7 conversion; try 900-1000 ppms which is around 1.2-1.3 EC. Give that a try and see where your pH goes. You may just find out that you can feed even lower.

 

[mpd]

He needs a buffer in the RO so that it can hold its pH as nitrates are released.... In my very humble-assed opinion.

 

[Headbandf1]

Not cheap but will aid your plants and that is silica, I use Pro-Tek by Dynagrow to PH up to 5.8. So you get two requirement with one product. There are certainly many Silica products out there.

 

[opt1c]

unbuffered silica will work as a ph up solution.... in ro water.... mix your nutrients... let it sit for an hour... then check ph... don't bother right off the bat it'll be all over the place

 

[ChaosCatalunya]

He needs a buffer in the RO so that it can hold its pH as nitrates are released.... In my very humble-assed opinion.

.. like the carbonates found in ordinary, non RO water ?

Bog standard alkaline tap water mixed with the RO would give you a pH up, buffer and should need less or no cal mag than plain RO water.

 

[mpd]

.. like the carbonates found in ordinary, non RO water ?

Bog standard alkaline tap water mixed with the RO would give you a pH up, buffer and should need less or no cal mag than plain RO water.

Namaste.

 

[TheGreenReaper]

Not cheap but will aid your plants and that is silica, I use Pro-Tek by Dynagrow to PH up to 5.8. So you get two requirement with one product. There are certainly many Silica products out there.

The Dynagrow is a great choice. To get any stronger or cheaper you have to leave the hydro industry and search in the ag industry. I love silica as a pH up.

 

[joe fresh]

dont know if you can use it in hydro (im in soil) but arm & hammer baking soda is a great ph up and you dont need alot for it to work and its cheap as hell

 

[FreezerBoy]

Here's the problem

I use RO water and find during heavy flower feeding (1400-1600 ppm)

EC 2.2-3.2? You're lucky the plant hasn't exploded into flame. Drop it down to 0.8-1.2 and see what happens. The RO isn't doing you any favors either.

pH Down or Up is in no way expensive. Damn near free of charge is a better description. Avoid kitchen products for anything more than the 10 minutes it takes to get some real pH Down or Up.

 

[zeropercentthc]

When my PH drops significantly, I just add tap water if possible, or otherwise change the res.